Early modern historian. Loves gender, women's, social & royal histories. Ventures elswhere when interest is piqued. Blog may cover above themes or something a little more random. Find me on Twitter @ruthrblair

Pocahontas: the Native American Princess Buried in Gravesend, Kent

Pocahontas was born circa 1596, near Jamestown, Virginia, U.S.A. and died in March 1617 in Gravesend, Kent, England. Her story has fascinated for 400 years, but how many people know that she is buried in the Garden of England, as Kent is known?

Statue of Pocahontas, St George’s Churchyard, Gravesend

Pocahontas was buried in the chancel of the church of St George in 1617, the church was destroyed by fire in 1727 and was rebuilt in 1732.

Pocahontas, also known as Matoaka and Amonute, her native names, and by her Christian name, Rebecca. She was the daughter of Powhatan, also known as Wahunsenacah, who was chief of the Powhatan empire, which consisted of 28 tribes of the Tidewater region.

Pocahontas was a child of 10 or 11 when it is said she interceded to save the life of the colonial leader, John Smith after her father’s men had imprisoned him. She halted his execution by placing herself on top of him as he was about to be executed. Some have doubted the veracity of this account and suggest that Smith’s execution had been misinterpreted.

Pocahontas’ short life was dramatic: after befriending the colonists she was later held hostage and baptised into the Christian faith adopting the name Rebecca. She married Englishman John Rolfe in 1614 they had one son, Thomas. It was on the return journey from England after travelling to the English court of King James I and VI that she fell ill and died.

The statue of Pocahontas that is situated in the peaceful setting of the Church of St George is a replica of one in Jamestown, it was unveiled by the Governor of Virginia on 5 October 1958.

The gorgeous June sunshine was not my friend with today’s snaps, take a look at those that ended up on the blooper reel!

Wow!! Great information!! As an adult, I’ve been wishing I paid more attention in history class as a kid. Your articles are very informative and fill that need in a fun way. And so many facts that most of the rest of us didn’t know!!

that is a lovely post, I hate to say it but I never knew that she was buried in the UK, well they say you learn something new everyday and this is the one thing for today, very nice and finding out more about her short life, it was always known about her and John Smith but not the other part, thank you